🐾 Why Do Cats Knead? (aka "Making Biscuits")
What It Looks Like:
Your cat climbs onto a blanket, your lap, or even your belly, and starts rhythmically pushing their front paws in and out, alternating sides — like they’re kneading dough. Their little paws may flex, claws might sneak out a bit, and they often look super content while doing it.
🧬 So... Why Do They Do It?
1. Kittenhood Throwback
This starts way back when they were babies. Kittens knead their mom’s belly while nursing to stimulate milk flow. It’s instinctual and comforting. Adult cats keep the behavior because it’s soothing — kind of like a human snuggling a childhood teddy bear.
2. Marking Territory
Cats have scent glands in their paw pads. So when they knead a blanket, your leg, or even your favorite hoodie — they’re lowkey saying, “this is mine.” Cute AND possessive? Classic cat move.
3. Getting Comfy
In the wild, cats would pat down grass or leaves to make a cozy little sleeping spot. That behavior stuck, even if now it’s your freshly laundered sheets they're “prepping.”
4. Showing Love
Some cats knead only when they’re feeling super affectionate. If they climb onto you and start kneading, take it as a personal honor — that’s cat-speak for “I love you” (with claws).